CITY OF PACIFICA
COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
2/9/2026
1 SUBJECT:
Resolution Reaffirming the City’s Commitment to the Constitution, Democratic Values, and Human Rights
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a "Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Protecting the United States Constitution, Democratic Values, and Human Rights; Expressing Grave Concern over Recent Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions and Their Impact on Civil Liberties; and Calling for Accountability, Transparency, and Respect for Due Process".
STAFF CONTACT:
Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager
(650) 738-7409
[email protected]
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Councilmember Bier and Mayor Boles requested a resolution reaffirming the City’s commitment to the Constitution, democratic values, and human rights be agendized for City Council consideration at the February 9, 2026 City Council meeting. They have provided the following explanation for their request:
Given the recent events at the national level in Minneapolis where the Federal Department of Homeland Security as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as "ICE", appear to have engaged in actions that may have violated basic constitutional rights of individuals, it is critical for us to affirm the City of Pacifica's commitment to upholding all laws that apply in our jurisdiction. We will not tolerate these violations of law and of basic human rights, nor the intimidation and fear being spread through our community, as well as in other communities nationwide.
The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as other questionable actions of ICE, must be fully investigated by independent parties, and reviewed by the Judicial and Legislative branches of government. No one, including Federal Government employees, are above the law.
The City of Pacifica will continue upholding the rights of all people within our jurisdiction, as well as upholding our Sanctuary City policies, which align with state laws restricting local resources from being used for immigration enforcement. The City of Pacifica has also joined in several legal actions challenging federal government attempts to threaten our receipt of grant funding unless we cooperate with ICE. The City’s litigation efforts have successfully secured preliminary injunctions against these executive orders that would have otherwise withheld that funding.
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The City Council affirms our statement to be united against hate in any form, and this resolution reinforces that commitment to stop hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods and city.
A draft resolution for Council consideration is attached.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
The Council could decide to not adopt the resolution or make changes to the resolution.
RELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND WORK PLAN:
Reaffirming the City’s Commitment to the Constitution, democratic values, and human rights is consistent with the City’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the resolution.
ORIGINATED BY:
Mayor Boles and Councilmember Bier
ORIGINATED BY:
City Manager's Office
City Council
ATTACHMENT LIST:
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RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFICA REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, DEMOCRATIC VALUES, AND HUMAN RIGHTS; EXPRESSING GRAVE CONCERN OVER
RECENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON CIVIL LIBERTIES; AND CALLING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, AND
RESPECT FOR DUE PROCESS
WHEREAS, the City of Pacifica (“City”) is a Sanctuary City under Ordinance No. 826- C.S., which affirms that all residents, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to city services, protections, and rights without discrimination; and WHEREAS, the City of Pacifica’s Sanctuary City Ordinance, consistent with the California Values Act (SB 54), limits the Pacifica Police Department’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, except as required by state or federal law, to protect public safety and maintain community trust; and
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution guarantees fundamental civil liberties, including due process, equal protection under law, freedom of speech, and freedom from unreasonable seizure with the understanding that these rights belong to every person, regardless of citizenship status, in the United States; and WHEREAS, due to recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota — including multiple fatal shootings by federal immigration agents and federal agents’ resistance to local/state investigations — serious concerns have been raised nationwide regarding the protection and preservation of constitutional rights, the use of excessive force, and local autonomy in law enforcement oversight between municipalities and counties; and WHEREAS, federal immigration enforcement can escalate fear and pose an immediate chilling effect on cities, including but not limited to, inhibiting local residents from freely enjoying public facilities, attending schools, accessing medical services, and engaging in the basic civil liberties of life, as entitled in the United States Constitution; and WHEREAS, the City of Pacifica is a coastal community with a strong tradition of neighbor-to-neighbor care and is home to immigrant families, mixed-status households, refugees, and long-time residents who bring tremendous value to our local schools, businesses, faith communities, and neighborhood living, and whose wellbeing and dignity are essential to the health and safety of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that constitutional rights are not merely theoretical, but designed to be exercised and applied in daily life including the ability to go to work, take a child to school, seek healthcare, practice faith freely, engage in free speech, and request government assistance without fear; and
WHEREAS, the City’s democratic institutions are strengthened when local residents feel safe to freely exercise the civil liberties to which they are entitled, including the right to freely attend public meetings, contact elected officials, volunteer in schools, and engage in peaceful Pacifica City Council 4
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protest without fear of intimidation, retaliation, discrimination, or targeting; and WHEREAS, the City’s residents are carefully watching governmental leaders’ actions and responses to moments like these, and the City Council has a responsibility to model and demonstrate that the City will always choose lawfulness, humanity, due process, and democratic accountability over fear and division; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pacifica’s Sanctuary City policy not only fosters a relationship of trust, respect, and open communication between City officials and the community, but serves as a public safety measure that encourages the community to report crimes, serve as witnesses, seek help during emergencies, and feel safe to engage with the City’s local law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Pacifica reaffirms that all government actions, local, state, or federal, must adhere to constitutional principles and that local democratic institutions play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and community trust.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFICA DOES HEREBY FIND:
Section 1. Constitutional Commitment. The City reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the protection of civil liberties and human rights for all persons. This includes due process, equal protection, freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful protest.
Section 2. Protection of Sanctuary Principles. The City reaffirms Pacifica’s Sanctuary City policy, that city personnel shall not assist federal immigration enforcement in a manner that undermines the constitutional rights of any person, consistent with state law and public safety obligations.
Section 3. Accountability and Oversight. The City calls upon federal authorities to ensure full transparency and independent investigation into all incidents involving the use of force by federal officers, to respect local and state oversight, and to ensure that operations are conducted in a manner consistent with constitutional protections and respect for human dignity.
Section 4. Civic Education & Awareness. The City encourages civic and community organizations, in collaboration with local government, to expand education and outreach about constitutional rights, civic engagement, and mechanisms for accountability in law enforcement.
Section 5. Non-Retaliation & Protecting Civil Liberties. The City opposes any retaliatory action against local governments or officials who uphold constitutional protections, including through lawful sanctuary policies, civic advocacy, or defense of civil liberties.
Section 6. Communication to Officials. The City Clerk is directed to send certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, California’s Governor and Attorney General, members of Congress representing Pacifica, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant civic and civil rights organizations.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its adoption and shall be published and posted as required by law.
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• • • • •
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Pacifica, California, held on the 9
th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
CITY OF PACIFICA
_________________________________
Christine Boles, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________ _________________________________ Sarah Coffey, City Clerk Michelle Kenyon, City Attorney